Graffiti vandalism can quickly transform a neighbourhood. It affects local residents, organizations, businesses, and property owners. When graffiti is removed quickly, properties are less likely to be repeatedly vandalized. Under the Property Maintenance Bylaw (Bylaw No 8425) property owners (both residential and business) are responsible for the removal of any graffiti on their property.
Graffiti - Property Maintenance Bylaw (Bylaw No. 8425)
The intent of the
Property Maintenance Bylaw is to protect the community from unsightly, hazardous and blighting conditions that contribute to the deterioration of neighbourhoods; to provide for the abatement of such conditions; and to prescribe standards for the maintenance of property.
Graffiti is considered to be unsightly under the Property Maintenance Bylaw (Bylaw No. 8425)
"Unsightly Property" includes Land that displays the accumulation of refuse, garbage, graffiti, discarded materials, filth or derelict vehicles to such an extent that as a whole it looks unkempt, unmaintained, dilapidated or in disrepair.
As such, the provisions of this Bylaw apply to all Land in the boundaries of the City, and, the Owner or Occupier of the Land shall be responsible for carrying out or causing to be carried out the work required under this Bylaw in accordance with the provisions of this Bylaw.
Unsightliness, Unsanitary Conditions and Graffiti
- No Owner or Occupier shall cause or permit Refuse, garbage or noxious, offensive or unwholesome objects or materials from collecting or accumulating on or around the Land of that Owner or Occupier.
- No Owner or Occupier shall cause or permit the Land of the Owner or Occupier to become or remain an untidy or Unsightly Property.
- No Owner or Occupiers of Land shall cause or permit unsanitary conditions to exist on the Land of that Owner or Occupier.
- No person shall place Graffiti in such a manner as to be visible from a highway, public place or other Lands.
More information and the complete version of the
Property Maintenance Bylaw.
The City needs your help to stop the spread of graffiti. If you spot graffiti, please report it so crews can be dispatched to remove or cover it.
How to Report Graffiti
More Tips for Managing Graffiti
- Apply protective coating on your walls to help with future graffiti removal
- Install motion detector lights to discourage vandals
- Move vehicles, dumpsters, and other items away from walls
- Cover pipes to prevent access to the roof or upper levels of a building
- Keep your property tidy